Former UFC welterweight signs with Bellator

Former UFC welterweight Rory MacDonald joined rival promotion Bellator last night during their event Bellator 160.

The 27-year-old leaves the UFC after a 9-4 record with the promotion and is widely regarded as one of the most talented welterweights in the world.

The Canadian fell short in his five round epic with Robbie Lawler for the welterweight title back in July of last year, only to suffer defeat via TKO.

"There's no denying that Rory MacDonald was the cream of the crop when it comes to free agents in MMA," Bellator president Scott Coker said in a statement.

"As I say all the time, if there is a free agent out there, we're going to talk to them, if they fit our model we're going to make a hard push to bring them over here. I'm very happy that we were able to work out a deal with Rory, and I can't wait to see him bring his menacing style to the Bellator cage."